The Brass Monkey, Glasgow

The Brass Monkey is situated within the Finnieston area of Argyle Street, which has in recent years witnessed the arrival of a plethora of popular new eateries, bars, galleries and boutiques. Occupying the site of an existing pub, which was in need of renovation, the client required a complete refit to make the pub more attractive, and raise its profile within the neighborhood.

As the block was listed, the planners requested that the stonework façade behind existing and dilapidated layers of artexed render was revealed and reinstated to address the street. This required careful attention as much of the stonework was damaged and neglected. Internally the space was opened up to the full ceiling height and the original window at the apex reinstated, affording fine views to the west along Argyll Street. Exposing the large sandstone blocks enhanced the character to the interior and helped create an atmosphere of natural solidity.

The use of natural slate to form the frontage to a curved bar of hardwood detailing, makes a strong feature to the bar which is framed by a backlit gantry wall. Towards the rear of the bar, feature wallpaper reflects light into the space and runs through into the relocated toilet area. The large glazed street frontage, enables the lit up bar interior to have a presence on the street at nighttime, a stylish addition to the area.